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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led a group of six Senate colleagues in introducing the Stop Arming Cartels Act. The bill would stem the “iron river” of firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico, enabled by weak American gun laws and gun industry practices. The deadly stream of firearms trafficking exacerbates violence, enables cartels who smuggle migrants to our southern border, and facilitates the illicit trade of narcotics across the border back into the United States. According to a recent study from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), 70 percent of crime guns recovered from Mexico and submitted for tracing are U.S.-sourced. “At the hands of the NRA and the gun lobby, our country’s lax gun laws have created a deadly, vicious cycle of firearms trafficking that’s riddled with violence, illicit narcotics, and chaos. Our gun laws

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WASHINGTON — U.S Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), today introduced the bicameral Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2023. The bill would close tax code loopholes for tobacco products by establishing a new federal tax on e-cigarettes, updating the federal cigarette tax rate to restore its public health impact, and harmonizing the tax rate across tobacco products to address gamesmanship by manufacturers. Establishing tax parity will generate significant federal revenue, reduce health care spending, and address one of the greatest public health challenges by lowering tobacco use, especially among youth. According to public health experts, increasing the price of tobacco products is the single most effective way to reduce tobacco use, particularly among children. “We have made historic progress over the years to reduce the suffering from tobacco use. Our most

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma deliculata) in Illinois. Following a report of a live adult on Sept. 16, state, federal, and local officials coordinated a site visit near the area of the report and identified a moderately populated area of spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Sept. 18. Specimens were collected and submitted for identification, and confirmatory results were received on September 26. The spotted lanternfly does not present any human or animal health concerns. “If there is a silver lining associated with spotted lantern fly in Illinois, it is that we have no reason to believe that widespread plant or tree death will result from its presence,” said Scott Schirmer, Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Nursery and Northern Field Office Section Manager. “This is likely going to be a nuisance pest that interferes with our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces and may have some

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that emergency repairs by the Illinois Central Railroad Company to a crossing on Illinois 13 (South Belt East) between South Jackson Street and South Charles Street will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 6 a.m. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. The work is expected to be complete by 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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CHICAGO - It’s Life Insurance Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) has already helped life insurance consumers collect more than $8 Million this year from lost or unclaimed policies, using our Life Policy Locator . It’s a free tool available on the IDOI website that anyone may use to find out if they are the beneficiary of a deceased relative’s lost or missing life insurance policy or annuity contract. “Families deserve to receive the benefits that their deceased loved one provided for their financial security,” said IDOI Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. “In Illinois, insurance companies must attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance or annuity proceeds remain unpaid, and our life policy locator service helps simplify that search process. We urge consumers to follow the instructions available on our website to begin the search for their share of unclaimed insurance benefits.”

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. One lane will always remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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OSF HEALTHCARE - Did you know there’s a special health and fitness day for women? It makes total sense, specifically because there are biological differences between men and women – and women have different health needs than men. A healthy diet, daily exercise, and regular doctor visits are essential for maintaining your health, which is true regardless of gender. However, what constitutes a healthy diet, how much exercise, and the type of exercise a person should get can be different for men and women. So, naturally, there are health issues that are unique to women. Wednesday, September 27, is the 14th Annual National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is observed annually on the last Wednesday of September, and it’s a time to promote the importance of health and fitness for women of all ages. Therefore, what are some of the differences between men and women when it comes to health? From a simplistic nutrition standpoint

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at East Alton Wood River (EAWR) High School. A senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. September’s winner is Colten Heaten. Colten is a senior at EAWR and is involved with Trebuchet Competitions and enjoys ringing the bells for The Salvation Army. Colten has received honors for Gold Level Renassance (4 years) and High Honor Roll (4 Years). After graduation, Colten plans to go to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Colten is thinking of majoring in engineering or computer science. Congratulations Colten and we all wish you good luck in your future! About Midwest Members Credit Union: Midwest Members Credit Union has bee

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GODFREY - The North Alton Godfrey Business Council is pleased to announce the hosting of the first of the Benjamin Godfrey Entrepreneurial Speakers Series on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois. John Newby, a nationally known publisher and community consultant, is the featured speaker and will present in two sessions. The first will be a 11:30 a.m. luncheon at The Commons focusing on area businesses both small and large, themed "Building A Stronger and More Viable Community Thru Synergies." The second session will be held in Hathaway Hall on the College campus at 3:00 p.m. and is directed to "Students and Teachers Only" with the theme "What Are You Going To Do With Your Life After Graduation?" Students and teachers from Alton, Bethalto, East Alton Wood River, Marquette and Roxana high schools along with Lewis & Clark, Principia and Southern Illinois University Colleges are invited to this gathering. This event has evolved from the Busines

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior running back, wide receiver and punt returner Kellen Brnfre has been a strong force for the Tigers this football season. In one of his best games on Sept. 8 against St. Louis Soldan, Brnfre caught a 42-yard pass from quarterback Jake Curry for a touchdown and also ran a punt back 35 yards for another touchdown as the Tigers won over Soldan 47-6. The most important thing for Brnfre was that everyone on the team's roster got to play and pick up experience. Brnfree is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "I'm feeling pretty good," Brnfre said in a postgame interview. "I'm feeling happy." A recent punt return for the touchdown against Soldan was an opportunity that Brnfre felt great about and he thanked those who also blocked for him on the run. "Actually, I was going to fair catch that," Brnfre said, "and just let the clock run out. But then, I just caught the ball and I just saw an open lane. So I took it." It was a play similar to

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JERSEYVILLE - Abby Fraley has been a standout in cross country and soccer for Jersey Community High School for multiple years. She is a strong runner and says cross country "is my favorite sport," although she also loves playing soccer in spring. Overall, she said she felt good about a recent race in the Alton Invite. She recorded a time at the Alton Invite of 24:47.57. Fraley should be one of the Panthers' top runners this season and continue to improve as the season moves ahead. Abby is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Fraley started her running career in her freshman year and said it has always been "fun" for her. She also thanked her parents for their support throughout her athletic career. Fraley's work ethic and approach to training have always been positive for her in her cross-country seasons. Abby has also been recognized as one of the Panthers' best female soccer players. Congrats again to Abby Fraley for her recognition as a Sparklight Female

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon trustees unanimously approved a site plan for a Dick’s Sporting Goods in the village’s Orchard Town Center. With an estimated open date in spring 2025, Dick’s is the latest tenant to claim their spot in the rapidly developing area. Tim Lowe, senior vice president of Leasing and Development at The Staenberg Group, said Dick’s will bring something new to Orchard Town Center and to the Glen Carbon market in general. “We really felt that Dick’s Sporting Goods was really a niche that was not here in the market - there are no quality sporting goods in this market and Dicks’ does a really great job,” Lowe said. “They’ve done a lot of cool things, they’re putting interactive things in their stores now between golf simulators and batting cages. It’s really the place for higher-end, better quality apparel and sporting goods.” Dick’s normally builds stores in one of three

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GRANITE CITY - A Granite City woman has been charged with First-Degree Murder in a case that began on Sept. 23, 2023. During the evening hours of Sept. 24, 2023, the Granite City Police Department responded to the 1400 block of Madison Avenue in reference to a report of a subject who had been shot. Upon arrival, a male victim was found deceased in the roadway. The victim was identified as Phillip P. Armstrong, a 39-year-old adult male from Granite City. The Granite City Police Department with the assistance of the Madison County Coroner’s office, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, and Madison County State’s Attorney’s office worked in cooperation to investigate this case. Through the combined efforts of all agencies involved, the suspect was identified as Tara A. Anderson, a 37-year-old adult female from Granite City. Throughout the investigation, it was learned that Armstrong and Anderson were in a dating relationship

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BETHALTO - On Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, the Bethalto Police Department, in collaboration with the US Marshals, executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The warrant was issued for a residence in the 200 block of Lakeside Drive following multiple complaints of narcotic sales associated with the residence. The search warrant was authorized by Honorable Judge Ryan Jumper, and it led to the arrest of the following individuals: Somporn Neumann (55), of Bethalto - Unlawful Use of Property (Class 2 Felony) Donald L. Ryans (33), of Troy MO. - Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine (Class 1 Felony) Ann C. Eckley (64), of Bethalto - Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine (Class 2 Felony) Alexis M. Broyles (32), of Bethalto - Outstanding Felony Warrant from Alton PD The Bethalto Police Department would like to emphasize its commitment to addressing community concerns and taking action against illegal activities within our neighborhoods. The investigation

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ALTON - Alton Odyssey Tours recently announced their 2023 tour season lineup, including an all-new series of Behind the Bricks historical walking tours. Featuring stops at some of Alton’s most historical and haunted attractions, Behind the Bricks, trolley tours, and Haunted Craft Beer Walks are set throughout October and the first weekend of November. All of this year’s tours will begin at the Ryder Building, which houses My Just Desserts, at 31 E. Broadway in downtown Alton. Tours start in the second floor meeting room, “where ghost-hunting tools are active and orbs are abundant,” according to a press release from Alton Odyssey Tours. The new Behind the Bricks walking tours will also include stops at the Kendall Cracker Factory, Enos Sanitarium, Grand Theater and Stratford Hotel. These tours will be held on Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4, each at 8 p.m. at a cost of $40 per ticket. Tickets for all tours can be purchased on the Alton Odyssey Tours websit

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FLORISSANT - Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center is more than just an event venue. With over 83 acres of space at 15270 Old Halls Ferry Road in Florissant, Mo., Executive Director Marillyn Baner said she considers it a “hidden gem.” “We consider it a hidden gem in North County,” Baner said. “We love being able to give tours, because people always walk through the building and go, ‘Oh my gosh!’ It’s wonderful.” Pallottine has changed its purpose since it was founded in 1969. Baner said it was constructed by the Pallottine missionary sisters, who built it as a convent, or a “formation home for young sisters to enter religious life.” Today, it serves a different purpose and is “open to all,” she said. “Today, Pallottine is called the Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center and we host retreats and groups and meetings and all kinds of events on campus using our beautiful 83 acres - every bit

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. One lane will always remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow @IDOTDistrict8 on Twitter or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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ILLINOIS — 4-H members in Illinois will join the six million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4-H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people. Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth program for University of Illinois Extension and the largest out-of-school youth organization in Illinois. 4-H youth development programs are available in every Illinois county. The program challenges youth to “learn by doing” with fun, hands-on activities. Kids can learn, practice, and demonstrate new skills while exploring the interests that are important to them. In 4-H, youth are brought together in clubs that are led by caring adults who welcome them as a part of the larger 4-H family. “Our goal is that whatever your interests or talents, 4-H is a program where you feel welcome and have a sense of belonging,”

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School student Alexandra Uram led a “Dress Down Day” at the school that raised $2,300. Monies raised from this Dress Down day will be donated to the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina, Hawaii. This area was wiped out by the tragic fires that destroyed parts of Lahaina and killed over a hundred people. Principal Joseph Lombardi explained, “Dress Down days at Father McGivney Catholic High School are used to empower our students to serve organizations they have a personal connection with.” FMCHS has a maximum of 6 Dress Down Days throughout the school year. Each Dress Down day, students are asked to donate $5.00 to support the organizations and for the privilege to dress down. Alexandra Uram (Class of 2026), has a strong connection to this church in Hawaii. Uram explains, “I have been blessed to have vacationed in Maui on multiple occasions, including most recently in 2021. Maui is beautiful and Lahaina

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MARYVILLE - Our Lord’s Lutheran Church (OLLC), 150 Wilma Dr., Maryville, will hold a Pet Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. This outdoor event will include canine demonstrations, face painting, a teddy bear clinic, rescue organizations, vendors, a booth for pets and owners to receive a blessing, and many door prizes. This event is free and open to all ages and pets of all kinds. Simple breakfast and lunch items will be available for a small donation. The Troy Police Canine Unit, Freedom Dogsports, and Catty Shack are among those returning this year. New participants include Aqua Nook, Kranky K9 Dog Training, and Juniper Pearl. Got Your Six Support Dogs will be represented by a recipient who will speak at 11 a.m. This event will take place rain or shine. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Indoor restrooms are available. Extensive space is available for walking dogs around the Prairie Restoration Area and the Chapel in the Pines. To get to OLLC, follow

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